In international competition, Kavaguti is pairs skater.[7] She represents Russia with Alexander Smirnov.

Kavaguti became a Russian citizen so that she would qualify for a spot on the Russian Olympic team.[3] Japan does not allow dual nationality, so she was obliged to give up her Japanese citizenship in order to compete for Russia.[6][8]

Order of the President of the Russian Federation ’For services to the development of physical culture and sports, high athletic achievements at the XXI Olympic Games 2010 in Vancouver’ (March 5, 2010) [16]